Natural History Society of Montreal. 141 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



Inauguration of the New Buildings of the Natural History So- 

 ciety, Cathcart Street, Montreal. 



The erection of New Buildings for the purposes of the Natural 

 History Society, has long been an object of earnest desire among 

 its members and friends. For two years efforts have been made 

 to dispose of their old premises, which although valuable as pro- 

 perty, were yet in many respects very inconvenient. Not, how- 

 ever, till last year was this found to be possible. An offer then 

 presented itself which was considered suitable, and a sale was ac- 

 cordingly effected. A site having been granted to the Society on 

 favourable termsby the McGill College, steps were immediately taken 

 by the Council to procure plans and estimates for a new erection. 

 This was done without delay Our funds not permitting us to indulge 

 in external architectural decoration, a plain substantial brick edi- 

 fice was thought in the meantime sufficient. Every attention was, 

 however, given that the interior arrangements should be in every 

 way suitable as regards light, space, and access for our Natural 

 History collection and our Annual Lectures. These objects have 

 been secured in the most satisfactory manner, and it is now 

 hoped that this venerable and valuable Society will meet with 

 that encouragement from the citizens of Montreal which it may 

 justly claim at their hands. There was a large attendance of 

 ladies and gentlemen at the opening soiree. The liveliest interest 

 was manifested by all present in the Society's valuable collection, 

 and the utmost satisfaction expressed at the internal arrangements 

 of the building. It is to be hoped that the attention of our 

 wealthy and liberal-minded citizens will now be directed to the 

 improvement and enlargement of this Society's collection. The 

 Library, although containing many valuable volumes, the gener- 

 ous donations of former patrons, yet stands greatly in need of 

 being replenished with works of scientific value published within 

 the last ten years. Gentlemen desirous of promoting the interests 

 of science in this province and city, would therefore materially do 

 so by contributing to the increase and efficiency of our collection 

 of scientific books. 



The inauguration passed oft* most pleasantly. The presence of 

 that distinguished veteran, General Sir William Eyre, and his lady, 

 added much to the interest of the proceedings. Mrs. Bell, with 

 several amateurs under the guidance of Prof. Howe, enlivened the 

 evening with beautiful music. We were glad to see again amongst 



